Japanese Abductee Families Pin Hopes on US–North Korea Summit (News)

Tokyo, March 9 (Jiji Press)—Families of Japanese citizens abducted decades ago by North Korea pinned high hopes on Friday on a possible meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

"At last, we have come this far," said Yokota Sakie, 82, whose daughter Megumi was abducted by the reclusive nation in 1977 at the age of 13.

"I'm looking forward" to their meeting, the mother said in an interview after the news of the summit broke on Friday, expressing hopes that the abductees will be released soon.

Yokota said that Trump, whom she met when he visited Japan last November, "understands well the feelings" of the abductees' families. It will be good if "Japan stands united to resolve the issue," she said.

Saitō Fumiyo, 72, is also eager to see progress. Her younger brother, Matsuki Kaoru, was kidnapped in 1980 at the age of 26. "It's about politics, so we don't know what's happening," she said. "All we can do is to watch."

Abe to Visit US in April for Talks with Trump on North Korea

Tokyo, March 9 (Jiji Press)—Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzō and US President Donald Trump on Friday agreed to discuss North Korean issues next month, as the president is seen meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un by May.

In telephone talks, Abe and Trump confirmed that the Japanese leader will visit the United States in early April at the earliest.

Abe told reporters that North Korea has offered to hold summit talks with the United States, showing its commitment to denuclearization.

"I welcome this change shown by North Korea," Abe stressed.

During the 30-minute phone conversation, Trump told Abe that he is ready to meet with Kim, while closely watching further developments.